An Okanagan winery has a new accolade to brag about after receiving a nod for producing the best white wine in Canada.
Tantalus Vineyards has some of the oldest vines in the Okanagan Valley. The first grapes were planted in the 1920s, and the first Riesling vines were put into the ground 40 years ago.
The 2008 Old Vines Riesling from Tantalus is now getting international recognition, according to one of the most acclaimed wine masters in the world Jancis Robinson.
“It’s a vote of confidence from an international pallet,” said Jane Hatch, from Tantalus Vineyards. “It shows that we’re making wines at a certain level, a level of quality. There’s no doubt about it, and to be singled out be her – it’s a big deal,”
To understand its significance, you have to understand the weight Robinson’s opinion holds.
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Her “World Atlas of Wine” is like a wine bible to many, so just getting a mention is already an accomplishment.
But being called the best wine in the country takes it to another level.
Tantalus Vineyards said they age their rieslings for two years before bottling. But this “big wine with a long finish” is also entirely dependant on a good season.
“We don’t follow a formula at Tantalus and I think that’s one of the things that makes us stand out here. WE like to let each growing season show through in the wines,” Hatch said, adding that each wine is slightly different year to year.
Since learning that their wine will be in the latest edition of Robinson’s book, the winery has been overwhelmed with inquiries.
Of the 400 cases produced, there are only 35 left.
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